Citing your sources What does citing your sources

“Citing your sources” What does citing your sources really mean? What is plagiarism? How do I avoid plagiarism?

Citing my work n Citing means that you tell your reader that certain ideas or parts in your paper came from another source. It also lets your readers know where to find the original information you used in your paper. n Citing sources is the only way to use other people's work without plagiarizing.

Types of Plagiarism n Four characteristics of plagiarism: q q Plagiarized words: Copying how something is written either word-for-word or the structure Plagiarized ideas: Claiming ownership of a unique idea that is not yours q Unintentional: Plagiarism that occurs by mistake q Intentional: Plagiarism done on purpose

What is the Problem with Plagiarism? n Does not give due credit to contributor(s) n Does not allow the author (plagiarizer) to show his/her true understanding about the information in the report n It often damages one’s academic standing n It is dishonest, and betrays the trust of one’s readers

Does citing make my paper look less original? Not at all! Citations actually prove that you have researched your topic and that you tried to substantiate your arguments with other authoritative sources.

When do I need to cite? n When you borrow someone else’s ideas. n When you quote or paraphrase. n When you refer to someone else’s work as a whole.

Do I have to cite for every fact I use? n n n No “Common knowledge”: facts that are readily available from numerous sources and generally known to the public. If you are unsure whether or not a fact is “common knowledge, ” you should probably cite your source just to be safe.

How do I cite sources? n n Styles of citation. Quotes and paraphrases: what’s the difference? Identifying your sources within the text of your paper (in-text citations) - example Bibliography/Works cited/References (they all mean the same thing) - example

So, what is plagiarism? n n n Turning in someone else's work as your own. Reusing a paper you wrote for another class without prior authorization from the instructor (multiple submission). Failing to use quotation marks for a quotation. Borrowing a sentence or paragraph without citing it. Using an idea from someone else without giving the original author credit. Giving incorrect (or faking…. ) information about the source of your borrowed material.

How do you avoid it? n n Take clear, accurate notes about where you found specific ideas. Write down the complete citation information for each item you use. Use quotation marks when directly stating another person's words. Always credit original authors for their information and ideas.

Additional information Acadia University “You use it, you quote it. ” n

Which statement needs to be cited? Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. This powerful advocate of liberty was born in 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia, inheriting from his father, a planter and surveyor, some 5, 000 acres of land, and from his mother, a Randolph, high social standing.

This statement needs to be cited. This powerful advocate of liberty was born in 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia, inheriting from his father, a planter and surveyor, some 5, 000 acres of land, and from his mother, a Randolph, high social standing. "Thomas Jefferson. " About the White House: Presidents. The White House. 6 Feb. 2009 <http: //www. whitehouse. gov/about/presidents/thomasjefferson/>.

Which statement needs to be cited? These powerful birds of prey use their talons to fish, but they get many of their meals by scavenging carrion or stealing the kills of other animals. The bald eagle is the proud national bird symbol of the United States.

This statement needs to be cited. These powerful birds of prey use their talons to fish, but they get many of their meals by scavenging carrion or stealing the kills of other animals. "Bald Eagle. " National Geographic. 6 Feb. 2009 <http: //animals. nationalgeographic. com/animals/birds/bald-eagle. html>.

Which statement needs to be cited? The two major nutrients in the tundra biome are nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen is created by biological fixation, and phosphorus is created by precipitation. The tundra is the coldest of all the biomes.

This statement needs to be cited. The two major nutrients in the tundra biome are nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen is created by biological fixation, and phosphorus is created by precipitation. Biomes Group. "Tundra Biome. " The World's Biomes. University of California Museum of Paleontology. 6 Feb. 2009 <http: //www. ucmp. berkeley. edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra. php>.

Has plagiarism been committed?

FIX IT!

Instead of quoting the passage it has been paraphrased. Has plagiarism been committed?

FIX IT!

Now you’ve learned…. n n n What When Why And How to cite your resources in your research papers, so NO Excuses! Don’t get caught plagiarizing…. n. CITE!!!

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